Assignment Coversheet

Campus East London

Module Name Academic English
Student Number EDUV4847389 Module Code
COAEA0-11
Student Surname Prince Student Name Cayde Jaydin

Declaration:

‘I declare that this assessment is my own original work except for source material explicitly
acknowledged. I also declare that this assessment or any other of my original work related to it has not
been previously, or is not being simultaneously, submitted for this or any other course. I also
acknowledge that I am aware of the Institution’s policy and regulations on honesty in academic work
as set out in the Conditions of Enrolment.”

Student signature

Cayde

Date
March 14,2024

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Title page

Assigment-1

Module Name: Academic English

Module Code: COAEA0-11

Due Date: 15 March 2024

Lecturer: N Korff

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Title page.......................................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................4
Dictionaries are powerful learning aids that has evolved through the centuries..................................................4
Definition of a dictionary..............................................................................................................................................5
The history of dictionaries...........................................................................................................................................6
Functions of a dictionary..............................................................................................................................................7
Types of Dictionaries....................................................................................................................................................8
Invention of Dictionaries..............................................................................................................................................9
Difference between Encyclopedia and a dictionary...............................................................................................10
Evolution of dictionaries.............................................................................................................................................11
Why is a dictionary important in a learning sphere................................................................................................12
Practical usage of dictionaries in language teaching.............................................................................................13
 Introducing dictionary concepts - It is extremely vital to teach students how to use a dictionary
skills digital or paper- based. This implies vocabulary, pronunciations, definitions and meanings.........13
Conclusion................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................................................15

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Introduction

Dictionaries are powerful learning aids that have evolved through the centuries. Dictionaries are
constantly changing, improving. Dictionaries have interesting origins of how it progressed to digital
operators. Dictionaries serve a purpose of giving meanings of words .Words that are similar and
opposite. It helps improve word usages and expands the mind with consistent updated knowledge.
There are different types of dictionaries written. The creations of the dictionary assist individuals
know learn where the historical linguistics originates from and who the creator was. It is important
to identify the difference between a dictionary and Encyclopedia, they are both however reliable
resources. Dictionaries are important in terms of learning in our every life. There are practical
practices, individuals who teach English should invest in to better the lives of those who are
interested in learning language skills.

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Definition of a dictionary

A dictionary is a useful learning aid which serves its purpose to show the pronunciation of words it
also serves a purpose of learning different languages and offers a variety with definitions.
Dictionaries are consistently emerging new words and definitions. Lexicographers, people that
amend the development of dictionaries assure that the research is relevant, modernized and
precise. A dictionary is considered to be more to be more than just words and definitions. It is
found to be a case in point of how interactions between people are constantly evolving.
(Ashikuzzaman, 2023)

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The history of dictionaries

The first reference book that might be considered a dictionary was created four thousand years
ago. This is known as “Syria”, tablets with a word list. The “Akkadian” empire, a Mesopotamian
civilization, produced these tablets about two thousand Before Common Era. They were seen as
bilingual glossaries rather than actual dictionaries on the tablets. They might be referred to as the
original translation instrument. The oldest monolingual dictionary that has survived is believed to
have been created as early as the third Before Common Era. Instead of being arranged
alphabetically, the first dictionaries were grouped as per topic or subject. They provide definitions,
difficult terms and phrases connected to the aspects of life, religious and wording literature. They
did not permit everyday writing and speaking. ’’Sanas Cormic”, written in the ninth century, was
among the first dictionaries in Europe. This Irish dictionary contained over one thousand four
hundred terms. The first English dictionaries included meanings of Latin terminology in English
and French. Reference books explaining the different languages were essential since they were
put in practice for numerous purposes including politics, religion, and commerce. It wasn’t until the
seventeenth century monolingual dictionaries were uses as translation guides. Over the centuries
different languages were produced in dictionaries, the concept that all words that were commonly
used should be included in dictionaries was only implemented by academics in the nineteenth
century. In 1755 the first English dictionary was published by Dr Johnson; however dictionaries
created earlier contained fewer words and was not considered as solid information. Johnsons
work contained forty two thousand seven hundred and seventy three words that were
alphabetically organized. Johnsons work became the most validated English dictionary and his
indexes include references to term phrases usage. This changed when the Oxford English
Dictionary was released in 1928 It evolved as the most effective reference work. The Oxford
English Dictionary has a huge project that took a significant period of time to develop than initially
planned. The project was finally completed after fort four years. The Oxford English Dictionary has
been consistently ungraded ever since, to reflect new words and definitions. It became available
on CD-ROM in 1992. (Not stated, 2022)

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Functions of a dictionary

A dictionary purposes are to teach how to spell, how to break works into syllables. It also teaches
us parts of speech. Dictionaries illustrate that a word can have multiple meanings in addition to
synonyms and antonyms. Using a dictionary can also teach individuals how to use a specific word
in a sentence, therefore building sentence structure. Significant prefixes and suffixes, along with
their definitions. Etymology, occasionally referred to as the history of a word, is the study of where
it originated from. Dictionaries also provide context for the words original usage in writing. New
words developed from the root word. According to the guiding word the first word on the page will
be in the upper left corner and the last word will be in the lower right corner. Moreover, dictionaries
only show one entry. (English study guide notes)

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Types of Dictionaries

1. Generic English dictionaries - These dictionaries are written in English which provides
definitions in English.
2. Bilingual dictionary- a bilingual dictionary/translation dictionary is unique dictionary that is
used for the purpose of translating words or phrases from multiple languages. Bilingual
dictionaries are commonly simplex therefore the meanings of one’s word from various
languages can be listed. Bilingual dictionaries are also known to be duplex enabling the
translation to and from both languages.
3. Language learner’s dictionaries- This dictionary was formed for the people who are learning
a language, which is not their first language.
4. Specialist Dictionaries – A Specialized dictionary is a dictionary that consists of a restricted
set of events which illustrate professional terms.
5. Collocations dictionaries- collocation refers to words that belong together. The most
frequent combinations of words are enabled by collocation dictionaries.
6. Thesauri- A thesaurus is a book of words or material about specific criteria. It is a book of
words and its synonyms and antonyms. (Orellana, 2023)

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Invention of Dictionaries
Samuel Johnson established the accurate tone of reference books, but he also invented a style of
biography and literary critique that has been widely repeated. His mission was to make English
and the great classics in particular English more comprehensible for readers. The first book to
address both written and spoken English was his dictionary. It was the first to offer English content
based on context. Furthermore, it was the first to try to implement a standard of spelling and
grammar on a language that had no structure English that lacked an academy to prove its usage
as correct or incorrect. Johnson's project must be seen in an English point of view, of the state of
English lexicography. (Hanning , 2007)

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Difference between Encyclopedia and a dictionary

Encyclopedias and dictionaries are both helpful reference resources that help individuals find
information, however they both serve their differences. A dictionary details on definition,
pronunciation and the usage of language. It assists people to find the meaning of terms by
providing the most accurate definitions. An Encyclopedia is a collection of detailed data or
information that covers a broad range of content. Encyclopedias also include historical content and
simplified material to help the understanding of a subject, while Encyclopedias include a variety of
information. A dictionary only provides information based on language, another difference is
Encyclopedias was created for fast and instant clear meanings of a word. It’s a beneficial tool for
writers, students and individuals who are practically interested in consistent language usage.
Dictionaries are more a time consuming and in detail research tool. It’s a resource for scholarly
purposes and gaining knowledge. (Ashikuzzaman, 2023)

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Evolution of dictionaries

Computers were first in the 1960s in the field of lexicology. A data base was created called
“datasets5”, was implemented by Urdang, an editor of the Roman Housed Dictionary of English
Language, to set order and category in dictionary content. The name of the lexicographic project
of the system development corporation created the new, “Merrian–Webster Pocket Dictionary and
Webster’s seventh new collegiate Dictionary of the same time on Magnetic tape. It took a lot of
work for the investigators to type codes in the preliminary machine-readable dictionaries because
they were identical copies of the paper-based ones. When dictionaries began to use computers,
electronic businesses began to produce pocket size translation gadgets, “Craig M10 and the Lk-
300”, which was portable electronic calculators. This was the first electronic dictionaries with user
interfaces. As the portable device memory expanded and technology advanced, an increase of
new electronic goods were generated.

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Why is a dictionary important in a learning sphere

The usage of dictionaries can have multiple advantages in the prime stages of learning. It is
essential to learn the teachings in language. Using a dictionary makes the learner rely on the
teacher less. A dictionary comes with a large number of benefits. Everyone can use it as
learning tool to improve their spelling, reading and linguistic skills. The glossary of words,
spelling, linguistics, historical-linguistics and pronunciation are few of many things
dictionaries provide language for students. When dictionary usage is done constantly, the
use of language and comprehension can improve. Dictionaries can assist the advancements
of writing, reading and vocabulary. In non-native education, dictionaries are significant
because they have exact word definitions and assist students in building their own
vocabularies, therefore dictionaries can be relevant for lifelong learning. Dictionaries are a
useful tool for language learners as they encourage the development of skills.

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Practical usage of dictionaries in language teaching

It is extremely effective for teachers to use dictionaries into their everyday lives. As well as
considering the benefits they can offer language learning areas. There are types of practical
activities language teachers can use to improve skills.
 Introducing dictionary concepts - It is extremely vital to teach students how to use a
dictionary skills digital or paper- based. This implies vocabulary, pronunciations, definitions
and meanings.

 Practically doing dictionary activities- Regularly engage in class room activities, play
vocabulary game to enhance thinking skills and create new ideas.

 Doing activities to use them excluding scheduled class times. Test their dictionary skills by
asking individually - Set homework assignments that include using a dictionary to gather
content in order to enable students them to explain terms and phrases. With guidance and
proper assistance will boost students to become more confidence and will increase
productivity.

 Integrated skills practice – Assist students to become familiar with using a dictionary by
implementing their use into various language skills exercises. When obtaining reading
skills, students should search for synonyms. Encourage learners to use dictionaries in
writing and speaking activities to develop diction choice and vocabulary, play word
developing games to enhance vocabulary.

 Online technologies- Leading learner's dictionaries' online versions provide more features
to support language learners' language proficiency development. With the Oxford
Advanced Learner's Dictionary, students can make lists of words they need to study,
assess their knowledge, and improve their speaking and pronunciation abilities. With word
memory games, flashcards, and audio questions, the Cambridge Dictionary +Plus app
turns word lists into interactive tests. (Blog, 2024)

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Conclusion
In addition to dictionaries, it is proven by the information that dictionaries are essential in the
usage of language. In conclusion dictionaries are the foundation of building knowledge
communication, bettering literacy and improving human communications.

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Bibliography

Sanako. Available at: https://sanako.com/are-dictionaries-still-useful-in-language-teaching-today

(Accessed: 15 March 2024). Ashikuzzaman, Md. (2023a) What is a dictionary?, Library &
Information Science Education Network. Available at: https://www.lisedunetwork.com/a-brief-
information-about-dictionary/ (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

(No date a) The importance of using dictionary in ... Available at:

https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/151836 (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

English study guide notes, provided by (MyLms)

Not stated, S. staff (no date) What are the advantages of a dictionary?: 5 answers from research
papers, SciSpace - Question. Available at: https://typeset.io/questions/what-are-the-
advantages-of-a-dictionary-2xvmn687xc (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

Orellana, E. (2023) Class #3 Types of Dictionaries, Orellana. Available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAYgbJZeV- (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

Hanning, T. (2007) University of Glasgow, Johnson’s Dictionary. Available at:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/library/files/special/exhibns/month/
apr2007.html#:~:text=First%20published%20in%201755%2C%20this,Oxford%20English
%20Dictionary%20in%201884. (Accessed: 15 March 2024).

Not stated, N. stated (2022) A brief history of dictionaries - word connection, A brief History of
Dictionaries. Available at: https://word-connection.com/a-brief-history-of-dictionaries/
(Accessed: 15 March 2024).

Blog, S. (2024) are dictionaries still useful in language teaching today

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